These gutter tactics are designed for one purpose, and one purpose only: to prevent the discussion of local issues, and their solutions, which the other main parties wish to address.

Local residents will wish to ask this year’s candidates: how do you propose that we solve this borough’s desperate need for new housing? The Spinks will reply: ‘Vote for us to ensure the integrity of the Green Belt.’

Local residents will ask: how do you propose to solve the additional traffic congestion that is likely from a vastly improved Canvey town centre? And the Spinks will reply: ‘We will ensure there is no new building on this island until Canvey gets its third road.’

Residents will ask: are you in favour of the Kent/Canvey tunnel option that a straw poll on the Canvey Beat suggests would relieve rush hour congestion on Canvey Way by up to a third? And the Spinks will reply: ‘We favour a new road connected to the already congested A13 – but the Tories are continually blocking it.’

Candidates will be asked: how will you ensure that options regarding local issues are fully debated and explored in the Council chamber? And the Spinks will reply: ‘By ensuring strong opposition.’

And residents may wish to ask, of all their local candidates, one other question relating to the state of national politics – and in particular the position on this island.

All main parties have declared their intention to allow voters the power to sack their MP. Should you gain a seat at the local elections: is it your main aim to amend the Borough’s constitution and provide constituency wards the same powers to sack their elected councillors?